as in discriminatory
favoring, applying, or being unequal treatment of different classes of people
did away with differential pay scales for men and women doing the same work
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Recent Examples of differential
While that ruling pertained only to admissions, the administration last winter notified schools that any differential consideration based on race was unconstitutional.
—
ABC News,
3 June 2026
The comparable American sports term is point differential.
—
Tushaar Kuthiala,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
1 June 2026
Utah ends up with the 4th seed by virtue of points differential, being tied with Bay Area on match wins, game wins, and then game differential (h/t to Tice for the breakdown).
—
Todd Boss,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Despite allegations of differential treatment, Tolcher said punishments were issued according to the discipline policies and procedures in the school’s parent and student handbook.
—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for differential
ABC News,
3 June 2026
The comparable American sports term is point differential.
—
Tushaar Kuthiala,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
1 June 2026
Utah ends up with the 4th seed by virtue of points differential, being tied with Bay Area on match wins, game wins, and then game differential (h/t to Tice for the breakdown).
—
Todd Boss,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Despite allegations of differential treatment, Tolcher said punishments were issued according to the discipline policies and procedures in the school’s parent and student handbook.
—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for differential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for differential
Adjective
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The committee said in the report that Coupang has been the target of discriminatory pressure from the South Korean government that intensified in 2025 after a data breach perpetrated by a disgruntled former employee.
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While there is certainly a problem with the ubiquity of politicians and business leaders of advanced age, Moyn misrepresents older people and offers solutions that are discriminatory against them.
Adjective
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His conviction was overturned in 2024 when his lawyers argued the first trial was unfair when the court allowed other accusers to testify.
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Hilton, running on a platform of affordability and lowering taxes, has seized on the sentiment, casting health coverage for immigrants without legal status as deeply unfair and a direct threat to the state’s ability to help citizens.
Cite this Entry
“Differential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/differential. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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